UFC: Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov bans extended

Khabib Nurmagomedov attacks Conor McGregor in the Octagon.
Khabib Nurmagomedov attacks Conor McGregor in the Octagon. Photo credit: Reuters

Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have been indefinitely suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NASC), until an investigation into the brawl that followed their UFC title fight is complete.

After his victory over McGregor in Las Vegas this month, Nurmagomedov jumped the Octagon fence and began fighting his rival's team, which led to other skirmishes breaking out.

The NSAC placed both McGregor and Nurmagomedov on 10-day suspensions on October 15, but voted to extend their bans on Thursday (NZ time), until its next meeting, when the matter is expected to be resolved.

McGregor and Nurmagomedov did not attend Thursday's hearing, but are required to attend the December meeting, when the matter will likely be resolved.

"I understand that the Nevada State Athletic Commission is doing a thorough investigation, which I am confident will benefit my client, Conor McGregor," manager Audie Attar said.

The commission voted to release half Nurmagomedov's fight purse - US$1m (NZ$1.53m) - with the other half withheld until the December hearing.

UFC: Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov bans extended
Photo credit: Getty Images
UFC: Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov bans extended
Photo credit: Getty Images

"I have felt half was a good enough amount of money,” Nevada Athletic Commission chairman Anthony Marnell said at the hearing.

“To release a million dollars, that should cover all expenses, give the fighter some money.

"At the same time, it’s still a very substantial amount of money to be withheld, until we can get to the case in December and get all of the testimony, or potentially we get a settlement agreement.

“Who knows how that will go over the next 60 days, but it’s enough money to keep this contestant's interest in this hearing."

McGregor was immediately paid his entire US$3m (NZ$4.60m) purse, but Marnell said that would not have been the case, had the commission had film to review on the night of the fight.

Nurmagomedov forced his Irish foe to submit in the fourth round of their bout at T-Mobile Arena.

Three of the Russian's entourage were arrested for their roles in the brawl, but McGregor refused to press charges.

Nurmagomedov insisted the scrap was sparked by McGregor's pre-fight insults, including an attack on the Russian's bus in New Jersey in April.

During fight build-up, McGregor also taunted his opponent over his country, religion, politics and family.

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